Our History
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) has supported survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Carbon and Stillwater Counties since 1999. What began as an all-volunteer crisis Helpline has grown into a trusted community resource rooted in compassion, safety, and hope.
DSVS Can Help
DSVS provides 100% free and confidential support to anyone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking in Carbon or Stillwater Counties.
Our mission
To empower those impacted by violence and foster healthy relationships.
Our vision
DSVS strives for the day when violence is no longer part of our lives.
Our story
Our work began in 1999, initiated by Mitzi Vorachek, a dedicated community member from Red Lodge, MT who recognized the urgent need to address domestic violence in her community. With over 25 years of experience in domestic violence prevention and intervention, Mitzi laid the groundwork for what DSVS has become today. Her expertise included creating curricula and training programs tailored for law enforcement, schools, and medical providers, as well as conducting vital research on domestic violence. She also trained numerous advocates and managed a rape crisis hotline in a major U.S. city. During her time at DSVS, she held multiple roles, including Executive Director, before retiring in 2013.
Early in DSVS’s development, Mitzi was joined by Dr. Allison Smith-Estelle, PhD, who brought extensive experience in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence both in the U.S. and internationally. With her background in advocacy and curriculum development, Allison served as the first Program Director for DSVS. In 2012, as Executive Director, she and her team developed “Power Up, Speak Out!“, a school-based violence prevention program that empowers middle and high school students with knowledge of healthy relationships.
Today, DSVS operates under a co-leadership model. The shared leadership has allowed the organization to thrive and expand in violence prevention education and community outreach. Our work is guided by our values of collaboration, safety, equality, empowerment, integrity, connection, and hope. A JEDI team has been established to review and enhance organizational policies, further embedding transparency, equity, and inclusivity into our approach.
Since its founding, DSVS has empowered hundreds of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking each year through direct services, advocacy, and temporary housing support. We operate a 24-hour-a-day helpline, Power Up, Speak Out!, an education program for teens, and a community-wide mentoring program. We do this important work with a small staff, the help of an engaged and diverse board of directors, and dedicated, selfless volunteers.
It all started with an all-volunteer crisis Helpline, where a community came together to support others experiencing violence. This initiative was—and continues to be—a powerful expression of neighbors helping neighbors and is now one of the few remaining domestic and sexual violence helplines in Montana primarily operated by well-trained, local volunteers.
The critical work we do is fueled by donations from people who believe, like we do, that everyone deserves healthy relationships. If you want to make a difference, consider donating today.
Our story
Our work began in 1999, initiated by Mitzi Vorachek, a dedicated community member from Red Lodge, MT who recognized the urgent need to address domestic violence in her community. With over 25 years of experience in domestic violence prevention and intervention, Mitzi laid the groundwork for what DSVS has become today. Her expertise included creating curricula and training programs tailored for law enforcement, schools, and medical providers, as well as conducting vital research on domestic violence. She also trained numerous advocates and managed a rape crisis hotline in a major U.S. city. During her time at DSVS, she held multiple roles, including Executive Director, before retiring in 2013.
Early in DSVS’s development, Mitzi was joined by Dr. Allison Smith-Estelle, PhD, who brought extensive experience in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence both in the U.S. and internationally. With her background in advocacy and curriculum development, Allison served as the first Program Director for DSVS. In 2012, as Executive Director, she and her team developed “Power Up, Speak Out!“, a school-based violence prevention program that empowers middle and high school students with knowledge of healthy relationships.
Today, DSVS operates under a co-leadership model. The shared leadership has allowed the organization to thrive and expand in violence prevention education and community outreach. Our work is guided by our values of collaboration, safety, equality, empowerment, integrity, connection, and hope. A JEDI team has been established to review and enhance organizational policies, further embedding transparency, equity, and inclusivity into our approach.
Since its founding, DSVS has empowered hundreds of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking each year through direct services, advocacy, and temporary housing support. We operate a 24-hour-a-day helpline, Power Up, Speak Out!, an education program for teens, and a community-wide mentoring program. We do this important work with a small staff, the help of an engaged and diverse board of directors, and dedicated, selfless volunteers.
It all started with an all-volunteer crisis Helpline, where a community came together to support others experiencing violence. This initiative was—and continues to be—a powerful expression of neighbors helping neighbors and is now one of the few remaining domestic and sexual violence helplines in Montana primarily operated by well-trained, local volunteers.
The critical work we do is fueled by donations from people who believe, like we do, that everyone deserves healthy relationships. If you want to make a difference, consider donating today.
